Exercising during pregnancy provides a number of benefits for mom and baby. Although some doctors used to consider exercise to be unsafe during pregnancy, research has demonstrated that women who do prenatal exercise are healthier after pregnancy than those who do not. Always consult your doctor if you are unsure whether it is safe to exercise, and stop running immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Running During Pregnancy
Most doctors recommend that women who have never run before should not start running during pregnancy. However, if you have been running on a regular basis before you became pregnant, it should be safe for you to continue to do so during your pregnancy. As noted by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you should keep your running to a moderate pace and modify your running routine as you feel necessary.
Tips
Consult your doctor before you start running during pregnancy, even if you were running regularly before your pregnancy. During your run, wear shoes that provide plenty of support, as well as a supportive bra. Keep in mind that your body goes through many physiological changes during pregnancy. Obviously, your center of gravity will shift as your pregnancy progresses and your belly grows. Your joints also loosen during pregnancy, so consider running on a track to lessen stress on the knees and ankles. Always stay hydrated and never run to the point of exhaustion.
Contraindications
Although running is generally safe for women who are continuing a regular routine, it may be contraindicated by certain conditions. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women who have a history of miscarriage, vaginal bleeding or premature rupture of membranes do not exercise while pregnant. Stop running and see your doctor if you experience cramping, dizziness, chest pain, headache, shortness of breath, decreased fetal movement, leg swelling or vaginal fluid leakage during or after your run.
Alternative Exercises
If a medical condition or general discomfort makes running impossible, you might be able to do a safer, gentler form of exercise during your pregnancy. Walking is a great way to exercise while pregnant, as are swimming, bicycling and low-impact aerobics. In the later months of pregnancy, if running becomes uncomfortable, you can begin to focus on labor preparation by doing prenatal yoga and pelvic floor exercises, as well as low-impact aerobic exercise like walking, which will help keep the legs strong in preparation for delivery.
